Veterinary Highlights: Dogs Wanted For A Promising Dog Cancer Study

Owners of dogs with cancerous tumors can enroll their dogs in a University of Missouri study that aims to use the body's own defenses to fight cancer.

Clostridium sporogenes. Image The Purple Society

The study’s objective is to stimulate the immune system to combat cancer via the introduction of bacteria.

Introduction of low dose of bacteria into the tumor should stimulate the body to attack the tumor cells. Previous studies, including research out of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, have shown that clostridium is the most successful bacteria because it only survives in oxygen-deficient environments — it thrives in tumors and stays out of the oxygen-rich bloodstream.

If the treatment works as hoped, the dogs will successfully fight off the cancer and also build fortified immune systems that will resist tumor growth in the future.

All breeds are eligible to participate, although larger dogs are preferred.

Types of cancer: melanoma, oral squamous cell carcinoma, soft tissue sarcoma or cutaneous carcinoma that is resectable by a regional or smaller resection.

Source article:
Promising University of Missouri cancer study needs canine participants

Further reading:
MU veterinarian seeks dogs for cancer study
Current Oncology Clinical Trials/University of Missouri 
(Evaluation of immunological and tumor defining response to an IV infusion of C. novyi-NT for the treatment of melanoma, STS or select carcinomas in dogs)
Canine Cancer Clinical Trials